La Tiendita/General Store

Out of necessity, general stores like La Tiendita here at Las Golondrinas, got their start during the colonial period for the many pioneers who lived on the fringes of the frontier, far from any urban center. Many owners of these mercantiles began as traveling peddlers and once they had the financial ability, and steady supply and demand, they’d establish permanent locations in growing settlements. In many instances, the general store would be the first business in a new settlement, and one of the most important as it supplied local residents with items integral to frontier life. Some of the more critical items were medicines. Here are some examples of what might be commonly found and their uses.